The Cost of Living Gift Guide: Meaningful Giving on a Budget

As the cost of living continues to rise, gift-giving can feel like a daunting expense. But thoughtful presents don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and heart, you can craft meaningful Christmas gift ideas on a budget that make a big impact – both on the recipient and your wallet.

This year, I’ve committed to handmade gifts: jars of blueberry jam, mango chutney, dried seasonal cocktail fruits, and hand-written cards. (Check my Instagram for results) It’s been a joy creating these, knowing that they’ll bring a smile to friends and family. Plus, I’m ticking off a bucket list item by entering my jams and chutneys into our local country show. (Here’s hoping for a ribbon—stay tuned!)

Here’s how you can join me in rethinking gifting while embracing creativity and mindfulness, no matter the season.

1. Handmade gifts: Heartfelt and unique

Handmade gifts carry a special kind of magic. Whether it’s a jar of home-cooked chutney, a knitted scarf, or a simple hand-drawn card, these gifts show that you’ve invested time and care. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Preserves and Chutneys: Use seasonal fruits to make jams, chutneys, or marmalades. Package them in glass jars with a pretty ribbon and a handwritten tag.
• Dried Cocktail Fruits: Slice oranges, lemons, or limes thinly, dry them in the oven or a dehydrator, and gift them in jars for a sophisticated cocktail garnish. This option is SO cheap, and your bougie friends’ will froth for them.
• DIY Kits: Create simple kits for hobbies like baking (a jar of cookie ingredients with instructions) or crafting (yarn and needles for knitting).

2. Experiences over things

Gifts don’t always have to be physical objects. An experience can often be more valuable and memorable.

• Family Outing Vouchers: Create a DIY voucher for a picnic, a hike, or a game night. These cost little but create lasting memories. Last year in place of presents, we went swimming with Great White Sharks! It’s not for everyone, but meant more to us than all the socks and jock in the world.
• Lessons or Classes: Offer to teach a skill you know, like sewing, cooking, or coding. Alternatively, gift a voucher for a community workshop (like pottery, or paint n sip!) or an online course.
• Country Show Tickets: Encourage friends or family to join you at a local country fair – it’s a day out and a gift in one and it supports the local community.

3. Repurposed and upcycled gifts

If you’re handy with tools or crafty by nature, upcycling can turn ordinary items into extraordinary gifts.

• Furniture Makeovers: Sand and repaint an old wooden chair & staple a fabric offcut over the seat, or refresh a classic old side table to give it new life.
• Keepsake Jars: Repurpose glass jars into candle holders, terrariums, or memory jars with handwritten notes or photos.
• Clothing Revamps: Add embroidery or fabric patches to old garments for a personalised, trendy twist. Bonus points if the patches are sentimental to the recipient.

4. Thoughtful acts of kindness

Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is simply lending a helping hand.

• Meal Prep for a Week: Prepare and freeze meals for a loved one who’s navigating a tough time.
• Offer Your Time: Babysitting, running errands, or helping with home repairs can be a priceless gift for someone in need.
• Pay-It-Forward Gifts: Instead of a traditional present, make a donation to a charity in the recipient’s name or pay for someone’s coffee behind you in line.
• Handmade Gift vouchers are a great way to give the gift of your time, as they give the recipient a tangible action item to cash in and remove the ‘asking for a favour’ sentiment that some find difficult.

5. Savvy second-hand finds

Tech, toys, books, and more can often be found second-hand in excellent condition, making for budget-friendly but thoughtful gifts.

• Tech on a Budget: Platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace often have great deals on tech like gaming consoles, tablets, or headphones.
• Vintage Treasures: Scout thrift shops for unique jewellery, books, or decor that suits the recipient’s taste. I got TWO Yeti mugs for $10 each (!) and a vintage Stanley Thermos for my son.
• Pre-Loved Toys: For kids, gently-used toys or board games can be as exciting as brand-new ones.

6. Plant-based gifts: Grow something together

Plants are gifts that keep on giving. Whether it’s a potted herb for the kitchen or a propagated succulent, these green gifts are perfect for anyone.

• Herb Gardens: Gift small pots of herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary along with recipes to use them in.
• Terrariums: Create a small DIY terrarium with moss, rocks, and succulents for a low-maintenance yet stylish present.
• Seed Packs: Pair seeds with a little guide on how to grow them, encouraging a fun family gardening project.

Rethink gifting for every season

When it comes to gifting, the thought and care behind the gesture often mean far more than the price tag. Whether it’s homemade jams, upcycled treasures, or a heartfelt act of kindness, the most impactful gifts are those that connect us to the people we love.

This year, I’m embracing the joy of creating and giving thoughtfully—and I encourage you to join me. Let’s rethink how we gift, not just for the sake of saving money, but to make our gestures more meaningful, sustainable, and personal.

Let me know how your gifting adventures go—and if you’ve ever entered something into a country show, I’d love to hear your tips!

And wish me luck on the Jams and Chutneys front!

Xoxo Elise